9 practical CISM exam tips for certification success in 2025

The demand for qualified information security managers continues to grow as organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. With new vulnerabilities discovered almost daily and the risk of major security incidents rising, companies struggle to find professionals with the right qualifications.

One of the best ways to prepare for emerging career opportunities is to earn high-level certifications such as ISACA’s CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), which provides evidence of both knowledge and experience.

Unlike similar certifications such as CISSP, the CISM is primarily management-focused. The exam contains 150 questions across four CISM domains that you must complete in less than four hours. 

Earning the CISM certification demonstrates your ability to understand the relationship between information security programs and broader business objectives. Here are nine practical tips for CISM exam success that will help you approach your test with confidence.

$150,040 average salary

ISACA CISM is one of the industry's highest-paying cybersecurity certifications. Take your information security management career to new heights and enroll now to claim your Exam Pass Guarantee!

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1. Review ISACA's exam candidate information guide

ISACA publishes a free updated candidate guide annually. This guide provides essential practical information for your certification exam preparation, including registration details, deadlines, and exam-day administration procedures. You'll find valuable information about the CISM domains, the number of questions, the exam length and the available languages. Every candidate should review this guide before taking the CISM exam.

2. Develop a management mindset

Unlike other security certifications, CISM is management-focused. While understanding technical concepts is essential, you must think like a manager to pass the CISM exam. During the test, what seems like the perfect technical solution may not be the correct answer. You'll need to consider factors such as company strategy, cost implications and how security controls might impact business processes. Developing a holistic, business-oriented approach is the best strategy for solving CISM questions successfully.

3. Utilize official study resources

Reviewing official CISM study resources should be a priority. The CISM Review Manual, available in both hardcopy and e-book formats, comprehensively covers the four CISM job practice areas: information security governance (17%), information security risk management (20%), information security program (33%) and incident management (30%).

The manual includes task and knowledge statements, self-assessment questions, suggested resources for further reading and an extensive glossary of exam concepts. Recent versions feature enhanced "in-practice questions," knowledge checks and case studies that provide practical perspectives on security governance concepts and risk management study techniques.

Using the CISM Review Manual ensures you'll find the answer to every exam question somewhere within its pages.

4. Take practice exams

While the CISM Review Manual thoroughly covers exam content, nothing beats practice questions when preparing for the CISM test. Begin with the free CISM Practice Quiz before moving to the official CISM Review Questions, Answers & Explanations, available in hardcopy and web-based formats.

Though these resources do not actual exam questions, these practice items match the type, structure and difficulty level you'll encounter during the test. The online version allows you to create custom exams ranging from quick 20-question sets to full 150-question simulations. The tracking feature helps identify strengths and weaknesses by specific domains, allowing you to focus your information security testing strategies accordingly.

$150,040 average salary

ISACA CISM is one of the industry's highest-paying cybersecurity certifications. Take your information security management career to new heights and enroll now to claim your Exam Pass Guarantee!

View Pricing

5. Create a detailed study plan

Be realistic about your work and life obligations when developing security certification study plans. Schedule study time during downtime or when you might be using some of the material you're learning.

Consider these factors while creating your CISM study plan:

• How soon do you intend to take the examination? Check the PSI website to find a time that works for you.
• How much can you spend on preparation material and training courses? Look for official, certified study materials and CISM training to ensure you thoroughly understand each topic covered in the exam.
• What training method works best for you? Some people prefer self-learning, while others benefit more from classroom settings. Consider your past learning experiences to help you pick the method that will best help you prepare.
• How familiar are you with exam subjects? Personal experience might save study time, but relying too heavily on experience alone is risky and will likely lead to poor results.

6. Consider an exam prep course

While self-study might seem appealing, it's not always the most effective CISM test preparation approach. A certification preparation course provides access to an experienced instructor with actual knowledge about how to pass the exam. These courses offer opportunities to get questions answered, share experiences and strategies and network with other professionals if attending in-person training. This comprehensive approach typically results in higher certification exam success rates.

7. Join the CISM Exam Study Community

ISACA sponsors the CISM Exam Study Community, which is available to all candidates for free. This platform allows students to share questions, study methods and tips for CISM exam success. Community leaders — past top candidates — moderate message boards and facilitate discussions.

The CISM exam community provides valuable insights about what to expect on exam day. It enables candidates to ask and answer questions, read study tips, share experiences, find exam preparation resources and connect directly with other professionals facing similar challenges.

8. Prepare thoroughly for exam day

Address these three crucial items at least a week before your exam:

• Is your exam kit ready? Check the Exam Candidate Guide to ensure you have everything needed on exam day, including understanding the CISM exam cost and requirements.
• Are you calm and well-rested? Many candidates fail due to exhaustion. Avoid late-night studying just before the exam, as this can increase anxiety. For final review, focus on selective reading of summaries or glossaries, and consider enhancing your stronger areas rather than cramming on weak topics.
• Did you make arrangements to be on time at the test site? Ensure you'll arrive on time. Late candidates may be denied admission. If using public transportation, verify routes in advance. If driving, identify parking options beforehand.

9. Maintain focus during the exam

Use these CISM exam day tips to stay focused and perform at your best:

• Be aware of time. When you intensely concentrate and get in "the zone", you might lose track of time. What seems like seconds can be precious minutes, so monitor your progress to ensure you address all questions.
• Take your time reading the questions. Despite time pressure, avoid rushing. Read each question thoroughly, pay attention to all answer options, and ensure you understand what's being asked. Watch for obviously false options that can be quickly eliminated, and pay special attention to qualifying terms like MOST, LEAST, NOT, ALL, NEVER, and ALWAYS.
• Try to relax. Remember to stretch occasionally and relax your muscles. A relaxed mind improves your cism question approach and problem-solving abilities.
• Remember, there is no reason to panic. Maintaining composure enhances concentration. If you've followed your study plan correctly, you'll likely succeed. If not, you'll gain valuable experience for your next attempt.

Earn a $150,040 Salary with an ISACA CISM

The employment of information systems managers is projected to grow 16% by 2031. Get your ISACA CISM to launch into the field — backed with an Exam Pass Guarantee.

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Earning the CISM certification demonstrates your commitment to developing advanced information security management skills. It proves you have the expertise and experience required to develop and manage comprehensive information security programs.

Plan ahead using these CISM exam strategies as the foundation for your study approach, and consider enrolling in ISACA CISM official training to maximize your chances of success. For more information about CISM certification requirements, explore our ISACA CISM hub.